Neurologic

Presenting Signs and Symptoms

Sustained state of unconsciousness, defined by the neurological examination primarily in terms of lack of response to external stimuli

Common Causes

• Diffuse hypoxic brain injury

• Disease of organs other than the brain

  • Liver (hepatic encephalopathy)

  • Kidney (uremic encephalopathy)

  • Lung (hypoxia, carbon dioxide narcosis)

  • Pancreas (diabetes, hypoglycemia)

• Exogenous poisons (sedatives, narcotics, psychotropic drugs, anticonvulsants, heavy metals)

• Acid-base abnormalities affecting the central nervous system

• Disordered temperature regulation (hypothermia, heat stroke)

• Inflammatory or infiltrative disorders (encephalitis, cerebral vasculitis)

• Seizure and post-ictal states